Schofield's satisfaction with Ceolwulf's strong return

It is not often a jockey leaves a racecourse feeling satisfied after a horse they rode has been defeated, but that was precisely the sentiment of Chad Schofield after Ceolwulf finished as the runner-up to Lindermann in the Chelmsford Stakes.

Following a disappointing autumn period where the gelding's season was cut short due to foot problems and a minor bleed, Schofield was thrilled with Ceolwulf's performance to power home from the tail of the field on the turn in a race where the leader set a strong tempo.

This effort built upon a fifth-place finish first-up behind Autumn Glow in the Winx Stakes (1400m), but it was Ceolwulf's showing in the Chelmsford Stakes that confirmed to Schofield that the horse had regained his top form.

"He got beaten, but I left the races very happy because I feel like Joe (Pride) has got him right where he wants him and he's tracking very well for the races later on," Schofield commented.

"He didn't come up last 'prep', but that's probably why I left the races so happy. He felt as good as he has ever felt. For me, that was the main thing.

"We know he's a horse that comes good for his grand finals and at the end of his prep and that seems to be the case again."

Ceolwulf is scheduled to make his third appearance of this campaign in Saturday's 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, where he will once again compete against Autumn Glow.

From the trainer's perspective, Pride is not entirely convinced that the race will present the backmarker with their preferred racing conditions, especially from barrier seven, but he is confident of another spirited performance.

"I don't know if we're guaranteed any more tempo here again, but it would be nice," Pride stated.

"The horse is ready though. He's had his two runs back now, so he's getting into that zone where he starts to do his best."

Having won the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) for the past two years, Ceolwulf's attempt at a historic three-peat has not yet been officially confirmed by Pride.

While he has no doubt that the race conditions favour his charge, he is aware that it is a major carnival target for Autumn Glow, and if she continues on that trajectory, it could influence Pride to pursue a different path.

"I haven't one hundred per cent decided whether we're going King Charles or Cox Plate. Saturday will probably help mould that decision and send us the right way," Pride explained.

"He's got four group ones at 1600 metres, so I'd be pretty brave saying he's better at 2000 metres, but that doesn't mean he can't win a good Group One over 2000.

"I'm thinking about his opposition more than about him in that regard."

Stablemates Headley Grange and Private Eye have both been nominated for the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), with the race intended as a stepping stone towards more significant races later in their respective campaigns.

"It's really just a pathway race for them," Pride remarked.

"Private Eye needs to get his confidence back. Headley Grange, he doesn't lack confidence, but he might run there because we're going to eventually go to the Alan Brown (Stakes)."

Both horses will be guided by their regular riders, Adam Hyeronimus on Headley Grange and Nash Rawiller on Private Eye. The 7 Stakes presents an interesting proposition for racing betting markets.